First-time buyers' share of the housing market fell to its lowest level for five years, new figures show.

First-time buyers' share of the housing market fell to its lowest level for five years, new figures show.

The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) claims that first-time buyers accounted for just over seven per cent of the market in December of last year.

Its figures suggest that the proportion of first-time buyers in the market has been decreasing since 2000.

Having accounted for almost a third (29 per cent) of sales each month in 2000, the NAEA shows that this figure had dropped to under a quarter in 2002.

The NAEA's chief executive, Peter Bolton King, wants the government to help first-time buyers.

"We urge the government to consider these figures when looking at policies which could help first-time buyers to get on the property ladder.

"Eradicating stamp duty for first timers is one way the government could make a positive difference. We will continue to campaign on behalf of first-time buyers over the coming year."

The latest house price index released by estate agent Rightmove claims that average UK house prices have risen above £200,000 for the first time, which represents the largest monthly rise in nearly two years.